Narration System for the Journey of Martial Arts

Jiang's father paused, seemingly having overheard something. Before his eldest son could get angry, he waved for him to sit down. After thinking for a moment, he tentatively asked, "From what my son is saying, this Mr. Xu is not just an acting governor of Yangzhou?"

Jiang Wenzheng nodded, glanced at his elder brother, hesitated for a moment, and said, "When I overheard Master and Mr. Xu chatting, Master praised him as having the talent of a prime minister!"

"What..." Jiang's father stood up in shock, and the other family heads also stood up one by one, looking at each other in bewilderment.

Jiang's father stammered, "My son means that this Mr. Xu is the prime minister that Mr. Shi has chosen for the new dynasty!!!"

"That's about right! I heard whether Master will support Young Master Song depends on how Mr. Xu and Young Master Song talk tomorrow." Jiang Wenzheng nodded.

P.S.: Staying up late on New Year's Eve is so boring. The Spring Festival Gala these days is really... indescribable. I'll write three chapters and then go to sleep. I'll wait to wish my parents a Happy New Year!

Chapter 380 Night Talk at Jiang Mansion 2

"No wonder! No wonder!"

Jiang's father muttered to himself.

Jiang's father knew his son well. Although he wasn't exactly a talent for governing the world, he had managed the Shilong Taoist temple for so many years and had received his guidance. Logically speaking, he should definitely be a trusted confidant of 'Shilong'.

This Mr. Xu, who appeared out of nowhere, immediately took over the position in the Jiangdu Governor's Office and was even able to represent 'Shilong' in mobilizing the Jianghuai Army. This trust was far too great.

Now, upon hearing Shi Long praise this Mr. Xu for possessing the talent to govern the world and the qualities of a prime minister, it's clear he's a future prime minister in the making!

In an instant, Jiang's father thought of many things. He had read Shi Long's previous remarks many times. Although he did not necessarily agree with them, he had to admit that they made a lot of sense.

Any emperor in his position would likely be tempted to control powerful families, suppress clans, promote those from humble backgrounds, and win over the hearts of the people. This has nothing to do with family, but rather with personal and imperial perspectives.

If what his son said is true, if this Mr. Xu can gain the approval of the Song clan, or more precisely, the approval of Song Shidao himself, then once the world is settled, he will be a leader in the court who is not from the Song clan!

A burning desire flashed in Jiang's father's eyes as he looked at his second son and asked urgently, "How old is this Mr. Xu? Is he married? Your sister is not yet engaged, so we..."

"So shameless!"

The thought flashed through countless minds in an instant, but Jiang's father knew that everyone here was shrewd, and many immediately thought of their own daughters or sisters who were suitable for marriage. As for those who didn't have any, they were already thinking of other ways.

At this moment, all alliances can go to hell! Many people took their leave and departed.

………………

After seeing everyone off, Jiang Wenzheng saw that his father still seemed distracted, and said helplessly, "I have something else to say."

Jiang's father's expression changed, and he nodded, saying, "Tell me quickly!"

Jiang Wenzheng said, "Today, Chen Zhide not only donated a large amount of his family property, but also seized most of the family property that Yuchi Sheng had plundered in Yangzhou over the years. That's why my son was at the government office with Mr. Xu to manage the assets and returned late."

"Are you trying to emulate Chen Zhide and donate your family fortune?" Jiang's father, understanding the implied meaning, asked directly.

Jiang Wenzheng nodded, and after a moment's thought, Jiang's father said:

"According to what you just said, the Jianghuai army has now surrendered, so the south will be pacified soon. Even if the Song clique cannot take control of the Central Plains, they can still govern the south and follow the example of Emperor Chen Houzhu, who declared himself emperor facing south."

"If you are granted a dukedom or title in the future, the investment now will be a highly profitable deal! There is no reason why you cannot donate it."

"Moreover, not only should we donate, but we should donate a lot, and we should be the first to donate!"

Jiang's father stood up and said fiercely, "Although you are Mr. Shi's eldest disciple, I can also see that he is too lazy to care about anything."

"Your future in the new dynasty depends on your own efforts. At most, others will not dare to take credit for your achievements because of your master."

"Moreover, now that you have formed a friendship with Mr. Xu, it is the same as forming a friendship with the future prime minister. You cannot afford to damage this reputation."

"What's even more remarkable is that you now have a rare opportunity to show your face in front of the future founding emperor. Since that's the case, if we're going to give a gift, we should give a grand one, one that will make the recipient's hands cramp up."

"We can't wait any longer! None of those bastards are stupid; someone will definitely think of this. Send it, send it tonight, directly to your master."

"Old Chen, where the hell is Old Chen?"

Seeing Jiang's father's excited expression, the head steward rushed into the hall, asking, "What are your orders, sir?"

Jiang's father said urgently, "Tell the accountant to gather all the gold and silver in the house, and pack 80% of it into boxes immediately. Tell the guards in the mansion to assemble, and we'll escort it together with the second son tonight."

"Father, isn't this...isn't this too much?" The eldest son of the Jiang family looked troubled.

Jiang's father wanted to slap him across the face and said to the steward, "Hurry up and go, wait for me to take you!"

The old steward nodded and immediately ran to the accounting office to make the arrangements.

Jiang's father then scolded his eldest son with a look of anger and disappointment: "Can't you use your brain? Chen Zhide has already given away 80% of it, is it reasonable for us to give less? Besides, Yuchi Sheng has been plundering for so many years, are we not even as good as Yuchi Sheng?"

"But, but what are we going to eat and drink with so much? What will all the people in the mansion use?" the eldest son of the Jiang family said indignantly.

Jiang's father sighed helplessly and said:

"You didn't listen to a word I just said!"

"How much wealth can we possibly have? Aren't most of it land, forests, fishing boats, and shops? Those are the real assets!"

"Moreover, Song Shidao comes from the Song Clan, which is the only family that dominates Lingnan. What kind of money hasn't he seen? We can't earn as much as the Song Clan makes in a year running salt boats in our entire lives."

"Even a single hair on their leg is thicker than our waist. If we give them too little, they won't even care. Only by giving a lot, even to the point of going bankrupt, can we show our sincerity and win your brother Jian's favor with the Emperor!"

"If your brother is granted a duke or marquisate, we will be the next Li clan or Yuwen clan; if we are even less powerful, as long as your brother can serve two terms as the governor of Jiangdu, we can be guaranteed to have enough to eat and drink for ten generations. Do you understand?"

Afterwards, Jiang's father ignored his eldest son, who was so jealous that he had gone insane, and said to his second son, "After you've packed everything up, send it over tonight. That old fellow Lei Yun isn't someone to be trifled with. If your junior brother Lei Shilin gets there first, you'll lose face."

Then Jiang's father said to his second son:

"When you leave tomorrow, I'll have Old Chen assign you a group of guards. These are all servants from our household, the most trustworthy and reliable. Whether you keep them by your side as bodyguards to protect your life, or send them down to watch over the army for you, it's all good."

“I know your concerns! From now on, these people will be your personal guards, and they won’t have to take orders from anyone in the manor, including your father. As long as you are well, our family will be well.”

Jiang Wenzheng looked at his father, who was completely different from usual, whose every word and action was for his own benefit, and felt a warmth in his heart for the first time. He knew that this was something his older brother had never experienced.

"Your son understands!" Jiang Wenzheng bowed and said.

Jiang's father nodded and said, "If you have the chance, you should still mention your sister to Mr. Xu. If he doesn't have that intention, then forget it. But if he does, your sister will be very fortunate in the future. Marrying Mr. Xu will definitely not be a bad thing for her."

Jiang Wenzheng nodded and said, "After tomorrow, my son will find an opportunity to mention it to Mr. Xu and see what he thinks."

Soon the head steward came to report that the loading was complete, and Jiang's father urged Jiang Wenzheng to set off immediately.

That night, countless people in Yangzhou were unable to sleep, and many were burdened with worries.

P.S.: Bored, how about you guys? Here's a bonus chapter.

Chapter 381 Clash of Dojos 1

The next morning, Song Yuzhi got up and went to Song Shidao's residence. Seeing Song Shidao already holding a book, she couldn't help but sigh that her older brother had really changed completely.

Although the original Song Shidao was dashing, extraordinary, and gentle in his dealings with others, he was more like a noble young master; but now, just sitting there, he exudes a sense of grandeur and inclusiveness, making him seem more like a superior.

"Big brother, you're up so early," Song Yuzhi greeted.

Song Shidao smiled and said, "I'm a little worried about having to sit and discuss things with that Mr. Xu today. Getting up and reading a book will help calm my nerves."

Song Yuzhi smiled and said, "Brother, why are you so nervous? You have Master Shi to guide you and have personally experienced the hardships of ordinary people. No one else has had such an experience. In terms of knowledge and experience, you are no less than anyone else."

"I heard that another person might be coming today? I wonder if you know Yu Zhi?" Song Shidao asked.

Song Yuzhi nodded and said:

"That man's name is Kou Zhong. He was originally a small-time hoodlum in Yangzhou City, but somehow he caught the eye of Master Shi and, together with one of his brothers, inherited the 'Longevity Manual'."

"I met those two people in Xingyang before. Although they came from humble backgrounds, they had a high starting point in martial arts, and they were also smart. Their appearance was indeed extremely imposing."

“It would have been hard to say before. But now, brother, your sword intent has been perfected, your martial arts are first-rate in this world, and your knowledge and experience are far beyond what they can match.”

"Today's discussion is about martial arts and governing the world. How can they compare to you, elder brother?"

Song Shidao asked in surprise, "Didn't Master Shi teach them?"

Song Yuzhi shook his head and said:

"As far as I know, Master Shi only passed on the 'Longevity Formula' to them, and nothing else."

"In my opinion, Master Shi sent him here probably to make him realize his own intentions. After all, there is a past relationship between them."

Song Shidao shook his head and said:

"To gain the approval of Master Shi and even dare to declare that they will dominate the world, these two must have extraordinary abilities and are definitely not ordinary people."

"Moreover, according to Fu Gongyou, these two have recognized Du Fuwei as their father. If we can recruit them and completely subdue the Jianghuai Army, that would be the best outcome."

………………

As noon approached, three galloping horses arrived outside Yangzhou City. One of them was Du Fuwei, and the other two young men on horseback were Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling.

"How long has it been since we last returned to Yangzhou?" Kou Zhong asked, lost in thought as he gazed at the city gates of Yangzhou.

Back when they left Yangzhou, the two of them were just small-time hoodlums who had to sneak through the sewers to escape. Now that they've returned, everything has changed.

"I wonder if Sister Zhen is doing well. I wonder if Old Feng and that wicked old woman are bullying her?" Kou Zhong sighed.

Xu Ziling said calmly, "If you're willing, go and see her on your way later. If you don't like Old Feng, just break his legs and make him divorce that wicked woman."

"what……"

Kou Zhong let out a long breath and said, "Xiao Ling, aren't you going to try to persuade me?"

Xu Ziling remained unmoved: "What good would it do for me to advise you? Good brothers shouldn't say such things. I'll go through fire and water with you."

Kou Zhong laughed heartily upon hearing this, patted Xu Ziling on the shoulder, and said, "Good brother."

He then looked at Du Fuwei, who remained silent, and said, "Father, aren't you going to try to persuade me?"

Du Fuwei looked at Yangzhou City, his expression unchanged, and said coldly, "Good advice is useless for those who are courting death. If you two die, I will find a good place to bury you."

Upon receiving the news, Fu Gongyou rushed out of the city and greeted Du Fuwei with a cupped hand, saying, "Steward, Master Shi and the others are already waiting. Let's go."

Du Fuwei nodded, ignoring the two boys beside him, and rode his horse into the city. News of his solo journey to Yangzhou quickly spread throughout the city.

Kou Zhong watched Du Fuwei leave, smiled, and suddenly said, "I'm just unwilling to accept that Master Shi chose Song Shidao. I heard he's just a pretty boy, and I want to see where I fall short of him."

"Let's go! Don't keep Master Shi waiting." Xu Ziling said calmly, then spurred his horse into the city.

………………

Shilong Dojo.

Outside the main gate of the temple, Jiang Wenzheng, representing Shi Long, stood in the main position at the entrance, while Song Shidao and Song Yuzhi stood to the left below. They saw two young men riding horses approaching and dismounting.

Jiang Wenzheng nodded and said, "Alright, the main guests have all arrived. Now, please come in together."

Song Shidao nodded to Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, and went inside first.

Upon entering the dojo, they were greeted by a training ground. Xu Xingzhi was standing on one side of the plaza. Seeing that the two had already arrived, he spoke...

"Master Shi has entrusted me, Xu, to preside over today's debate. The topic was jointly set by Master Shi and me, and everyone present will serve as judges. If there are no objections, let's begin the first round: the debate on martial arts."

"Although being an emperor doesn't necessarily require a high level of martial arts cultivation, it is still fundamental. Moreover, one's heart cannot deceive one's own martial arts."

"Therefore, the first match today will be a contest of martial arts. Please each step forward and demonstrate your most accomplished martial arts skills, using martial arts to judge people's hearts. Let's begin!"

Kou Zhong, without hesitation, picked up a knife from the side and said, "Kou Zhong, could you choose an opponent as a reference? I am a self-taught martial artist, and my skills are always spontaneous and unpredictable. If you ask me to perform, I will not be able to demonstrate my abilities."

Xu Xingzhi nodded and said, "Steward Du is visiting Master Shi in the back courtyard. I will invite him here now. Young Master Kou, please wait a moment."

Jiang Wenzheng nodded and quickly walked to the back, soon bringing Du Fuwei with him.

"I would appreciate it if Steward Du could have a match with Young Master Kou and let him display all his skills," Xu Xingzhi said, cupping his hands in greeting.

Du Fuwei nodded, stood in the center of the arena, and waved to Kou Zhong, signaling him to come over.

As Kou Zhong, carrying his long sword, stepped into the arena, Du Fuwei flicked his sleeve, and a surge of energy locked onto Kou Zhong. His sleeve, like a dark cloud covering his head, enveloped Kou Zhong, and a fierce aura attacked from all directions.

Kou Zhong instantly entered the state of mind of "Moon in the Well," and the energy of "Universe in the Sleeve" reacted in his mind. Kou Zhong swung his longsword, using the gapless to penetrate the gap, and the longsword cut into the weak point of the energy from an incredible angle. With a flash of light, "Universe in the Sleeve" broke on its own.

Before Kou Zhong could retaliate, Du Fuwei sneered, his right hand already emerging from his sleeve. With a flick of his fingers, bursts of energy shot swiftly towards the middle of Kou Zhong's longsword, shattering his sword's momentum. Then, a fine steel ring flew from his hand, whistling through the air, and smashed towards Kou Zhong's chest.

Kou Zhong moved with the fluidity of a fish, dodging the steel ring, and slashed his longsword at Du Fuwei's right hand fingers.

Du Fuwei snorted coldly and pounced forward. The two fought with lightning speed, and soon they were locked in combat, with flashes of swords and bursts of energy filling the air.

After thirty moves, as Du Fuwei closed his sleeves, the internal and external energies repelled and attracted each other. Kou Zhong's tiger's mouth went numb, and his long sword slipped from his hand. He was thrown backward by the force of the energy.

“Apart from my weaker internal energy, I haven’t held back at all,” Du Fuwei said coldly.

Xu Xingzhi nodded and said, "Today is just a discussion of martial arts, regardless of winning or losing. As long as Kou Zhong can demonstrate his skills, that's enough. I wonder if Young Master Kou approves of the martial arts he just displayed?"

Seeing Kou Zhong nod, Song Shidao also picked up a long sword and stood up: "I have only learned one set of the Eight Heavenly Sword Techniques, please give me your guidance!"

Chapter 382 Clash of Dojos 2